Mama Bear is at rest, her suffering and pain finally gone. Becky Robbins died last week after a long battle with cancer, bringing to a close an eventful and influential life. Becky and husband Rex Robbins were the heart and soul of Midwestern late-model racing across 34 years, from their launch of the American Speed Ass’n (ASA) in 1968 until selling the series at their retirement in 2002.

When Sean Buckley first traveled from California to Indiana more than a decade ago, he was immediately mesmerized by the dynamic traditional sprint-car scene in the Hoosier State. In the years following he eventually relocated to Indiana, hosting an Internet radio show and honing his skills as a videographer.

It was early in the evening at Dixie Speedway, with people filing in and support classes getting underway on the red clay Georgia oval. It was a typical Lucas Oil Late Model event, with a crowded pit area and a sense of anticipation that it was going to be a tough night of competition.